A Cold Day in Bangkok

There has been an absulutely mind blowing thing going on in Bangkok the past two days. As I write this, I am sitting in my office, wearing a scarf. I have been piling on the scarves, sweaters and blankets for the past 48 hours. I am not sure how this is happening, but with the sweltering heat I endure every day, this is amazing. Temperatures are about 65 at night and around 75 during the day, which doesn't seem like a lot, but when you are used to pollution heat, which is around 95 every day until seven at night, sometimes right through the night, you would notice a change.

It's amazing. Rin and I have slept with our screen door open with no fan, and have been fighting every night for the blanket. On the motorbike my skin crumples into goosebumps, and I busy my face into the back of Rin's shirt (the one long-sleeved shirt he has been wearing for three days now.)

But it's a nice change. My Thai winter. Makes me feel like I should put up a Christmas tree. I have to admit, I am constantly waiting for snow...

Thai News

Heard some guys talking about this in the office this morning, more spectacular news in Thailand:

BANGKOK, Thailand

VIP guests at the grand opening of the night safari zoo in northern Thailand will not only get to see exotic animals _ they'll get to taste them.

The Chiang Mai Night Safari Zoo will have its official opening on New Year's Day, and the "Exotic Buffet" marking the event will include tiger, lion, elephant and giraffe, said Plodprasop Suraswadi, the director of the zoo project.

"The VIP guest who pay 4,500 baht ($110) for the buffet will have the privilege of tasting an exotic menu, ranging from dog meat from (Thailand's Sakhon Nakhon province) to lion meat from Africa," Plodprasop told reporters.

Critics have lambasted the idea, saying that it will encourage wildlife trafficking in a country and region already notorious for smuggling tiger parts, bear claws and endangered species for Chinese delicacies, traditional medicines and pets.

"Serving rare animals on the table confirms that Thailand is ignoring policies for wildlife preservation," said Wildlife Fund Thailand secretary Suraphol Duangkae.

"Thailand's image is already bad for trading animals and being a transit and laundering point (for smugglers)," Suraphol said. "The zoo will make only the image worse by serving rare animals."

Kenya said last week it will give Thailand 175 wild animals _ including African buffalo, various species of antelope, zebra and giraffe _ as a gift to strengthen relations, but conservationists voiced concern that Thailand does not have a good track record of wildlife management and conservation.

The project, based on Singapore's Night Safari Zoo, will have 2,000 animals of about 100 different species.

(Associated Press)

loi krathong

Yesterday was Loi Krathong in Thailand, a festival where people make small boats from banana leaves and flowers, light candles and incense, put in fingernails and hair, some money and float it into the sea. (Or, here in Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River, the dirtiest water in the world.)

It is supposed to be very good luck if you do this with someone you love, so Rin spent the part two days making our krathong and last night we went to Rama 8 Bridge down by my school and set it out to sea. Both of us a little teary eyed, as we had talked about everything that has changed with us the past year, and we "wai-ed" by the water and pushed it out. (Just before the little kids sitting under the surface of the water would scramble for them to get all the money out..)

It wa sa beautuiful and peaceful night, despite all the people. I remember last year lighting my krathong with R on her beach in Phuket with gasoline because they flames just wouldn't stay lit. It seems like years ago.

Peace to all, and R, you aren't too late, you can make one in Canada with maple leaves and twigs, set it into the ocean.

"November full moon shine

Loy Krathong Loy Krathong

And the water high

In the gold river and the Klong

Loy Loy Krathong

Loy Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong is here

And everybody full of cheer

We're together at the Klong

Each one with his Krathong

As we push away we pray,

We can see a better day"

peaceful

As I see light at the end of my seven day work schedule, I look back at some photos from my recent time off, and can't help but think, 'this is a good place to be.'


Back into the Monday scheule, but feeling a little brighter, knowing Christmas is coming and I am going to be able to rest for a bit.

I haven't felt this feeling of calm for a long time. It's all about taking small steps and never letting yourself get too far out of reach. I remember in my mum's little Chocolate Shop/Cafe in Woodstock, Vermont, she had a box of Celestial Seasonings tea that seemed to be kicking around for years. On the bottom in tiny letters was something to the effect of "If you build castles in the air, your work need not be lost. Your job is simply to build foundations under them." I'm finally returning to a peaceful place, despite the chaos that surrounds me.

Back in the middle of it all...


The thing is, if you live in Bangkok and buy a car, you are still going to sit on the back of a motorbike in the morning to get to work, just so you can weave in and out of other cars sitting still for hours on end, turn your head around and stick your tongue out at them. 'nah nah nah nah nah nah...look at me. Being slightly less harmful to the environment, saving money, and I get there so much faster than you.' Dangerous, sure. But fun. (Mom, don't be angry, Rin is a good driver. And I put pants on under my skirt, hike it up to my waist and sit properly.)


School has been in full swing for two weeks, and with my new position, I am having a hard time trying to keep my head above water, while dealing with the politics that come with any job, (and suprisingly, even more so in this country when you work with all men!)

And so, I am trying to keep peaceful, tyring to enjoy my time at home with Rin, and trying to get in touch with someone in high standing to add more hours to the day.

The end of next month and I am going back to normal hours. Monday to Friday, with weekends to bask in the sun (or rain.)

Every day I amazed at how much I love this city. I still remember my first day in Thailand crying on the phone to my mother saying "you couldn't pay me enough to live here." Well, here I am. And loving it.